If you are thinking about having an abortion (termination of pregnancy), you can self refer to Forth Valley Termination of Pregnancy Service.
Contact the Service by calling 01324 673555, Monday to Friday, between 9am – 4pm. It is also possible to be referred by your GP.
- An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it doesn’t result in the birth of a baby.
- It is also known as a termination.
- The pregnancy is ended either by taking medications or having a minor surgical procedure.
- One in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime.
When you attend the clinic the nurses and doctors will through the options with you. This includes discussing the long term implications, both physical and emotional, and considering practical matters such as what method of contraception you will use in the future. This may require you to attend 2 separate appointments.
If a termination is considered the best option for you, a hospital appointment will be confirmed and you will be given the details before you leave the clinic
If you have self referred to the service, your GP will only be sent information regarding your clinic visit and admission with your consent.
Abortion Options Explained
This guide provides information about the different abortion options available in Forth Valley. Which options are available to you will depend on how far along the pregnancy is. You can discuss all options with the medical team during your appointment. If you prefer not to read this information now, that’s completely fine – the team will talk you through everything when you meet.
Below is a comparison of the four procedures offered:
What happens?
- You will be at home for the process.
- Most people pass the pregnancy within 4 – 6 hours of taking the second medicine.
- After 10 weeks, you may need extra doses of the second medicine.
Waiting time
- You can usually take the medications home at your appointment.
- The second medicine is taken 2 days after the first – this is the earliest the procedure can happen.
How long does it take?
- First tablet on day 1.
- Second medicines on day 3 – this is when the procedure starts.
- Pain and bleeding typically last 4 – 6 hours.
When can I have it?
- Up to 11 weeks + 6 days.
Will I see the pregnancy?
- Before 10 weeks: usually blood clots and jelly.
- After 10 weeks: you may see tissue resembling fetal parts.
Pain
- Usually more painful than a period.
- You’ll receive strong painkillers for home use.
- Cramping afterwards improves each day.
Follow‑up
- Pregnancy test at home 3 weeks later.
- If negative, no further follow‑up needed.
Risks
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, shakiness.
- Approx. 1 in 100: the pregnancy may continue or tissue may remain.
- Rare heavy bleeding (1 in 1000).
Advantages
- Comfort and privacy of home.
- In your own space with access to support.
Disadvantages
- Harder to conceal from people you live with.
- Can be emotionally difficult due to bleeding.
- An adult must stay with you during the process.
What happens?
- First medication taken at home.
- Two days later you attend hospital for the second part.
- You will pass the pregnancy in hospital.
- You may choose morning or evening admission.
- Someone can accompany you.
- Usually discharged the same day.
Waiting time
- Usually within 1 week of first appointment, though occasionally longer.
How long does it take?
- In hospital for the day (sometimes overnight).
When can I have it?
- Up to 19 weeks + 6 days.
Will I see the pregnancy?
- You will be awake.
- Nurses will shield you from seeing the pregnancy if you prefer.
Pain
- Can be painful, especially after 15 weeks.
- Strong pain relief available.
Follow‑up
- Only needed if staff are unsure whether the pregnancy has passed.
Risks
- Similar to home medical abortion.
- Slightly increased risk of heavy bleeding for pregnancies over 16 weeks.
Advantages
- Staff support throughout.
- Neutral environment away from home responsibilities.
Disadvantages
- A full day in hospital.
- May be difficult to explain if you are keeping the procedure private.
What happens?
- You are awake with local anaesthetic.
- Suction through a small tube removes the pregnancy.
- Medication beforehand softens the cervix.
- You can drive home afterwards.
- No fasting required.
Waiting time
- Appointment offered as soon as possible; may be up to 3 weeks.
How long does it take?
- Procedure: ~10 minutes.
- Total time in clinic: 30 – 60 minutes.
- Cervical preparation requires a visit a few hours earlier.
When can I have it?
- Up to 10 weeks.
Will I see the pregnancy?
- No – it is removed through the suction tube.
Pain
- Can be painful, similar to strong period cramps.
- Pain eases quickly afterwards, with mild cramping for a few days.
Follow‑up
- Not usually needed.
Risks
- Rare complications: infection, heavy bleeding, damage to womb/cervix.
- Around 1 in 100 chance of incomplete procedure.
Advantages
- Fastest of all procedures.
- Recovery is quick.
- Coil can be fitted immediately afterwards.
- Easier to keep private.
Disadvantages
- Some find the procedure noisy or uncomfortable.
- May involve the longest wait, depending on availability.
What happens?
- You are asleep for the procedure.
- Suction removes the pregnancy.
- Fasting from midnight beforehand.
- Cervix‑softening medicines may be given.
- Discharge usually the same day; must be driven home.
Waiting time
- May wait up to 3 weeks.
How long does it take?
- Procedure: ~10 minutes.
- Asleep for around an hour.
- In hospital for the full day.
When can I have it?
- Up to 12 weeks, occasionally slightly later.
Will I see the pregnancy?
- No – you are asleep throughout.
Pain
- None during procedure.
- Mild cramping for a few days afterwards.
Follow‑up
- Not usually required.
Risks
- Similar to MVA.
- Small additional risks from general anaesthetic.
Advantages
- Least painful option.
- Not aware of the procedure.
- Coil can be fitted while you are asleep.
Disadvantages
- May have the longest wait.
- Requires someone to stay with you overnight after anaesthetic.
- Full day in hospital.
Pregnancies Over 20 Weeks
The legal limit for abortion in the UK is 24 weeks. In Scotland, abortions are not carried out after 20 weeks.
If your ultrasound shows that you are between 20 and 24 weeks pregnant, we will help you access care in England. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) will organise everything for you, including travel and accommodation, as you will need to stay for at least two nights in the city where the procedure takes place. NHS Forth Valley covers all costs for you and for someone to travel with you for support.
If your pregnancy is over 24 weeks, you will need to continue with the pregnancy. However, it is very rare for anyone to discover they are over 24 weeks pregnant at the abortion clinic.
Considering Your Options
Think about what matters most about your abortion, whether it’s how soon the procedure can happen, whether you’ll be awake, how much pain to expect, or where it will take place. These priorities can help you in your conversation with healthcare staff, so you can choose the option that feels right for you.